2024 Highlands Motoring Festival

17th annual

JUNE 6-9, 2024

Thursday, June 6

One Lap of the Mountains - Grande Driving Tour

8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Friday, June 7

One Lap of the Mountains - Speciale Driving Tour

9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Main Street Parade of Classic Cars

5:30 – 6:30 P.M.

Main Street, Highlands

At a Glance Schedule

Saturday, June 8

Classics in the Park Invitational Judged Car Show

9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Horsepower Gala

6:00 – 9:30 P.M.

The Vineyard at HIgh Holly

Sunday, June 9

High Octane

Social and Car Gathering

8:30 -11:00 A.M.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

HWY 106 to The Vineyard at High Holly

Welcome to the Festival

We are excited to welcome you to the 2024 Highlands Motoring Festival®. Our team has worked hard for the past 12 months to bring this festival to you. Over the past 17 years, our four-day festival has grown to become one of the South’s most popular automotive events and was voted Best Concours by Classic Motorsports Magazine in their January 2019 issue. Dennis Gage has filmed his TV show My Classic Car from our show field. Last year’s attendees enjoyed a display of some of the rarest and greatest Porsches in the world.

This year features a spectacular gathering of rare, classic pre-war classics from the golden era, many of which most people have never had the opportunity to see, particularly in a single exhibition. This display is a visual and sensorial history of the early evolution of the automobile. You will also find pre-1990 classics and many other rare and unique European and American post-war jewels.

Highlands Motoring Festival’s® greatest asset is the resort town of Highlands itself, and its people. The village is a sparkling jewel during June. Its high elevation ensures cool summertime temperatures. High quality mountain roads attract driving enthusiasts from around the world. The core missions of HMF are to contribute much needed

funding to local, human needs charities, to support the Highlands business community by attracting motoring enthusiasts to our beautiful area, and to educate the public about magnificent automobiles they might otherwise never experience.

Highlands Motoring Festival® has grown from a oneday car show to a four-day festival packed with events. A team of 50+ volunteers work the event, with all our net proceeds going to the local charities. Our 2024 partner charities are REACH of Macon County, The Literacy & Learning Center, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers. All these groups share a common theme of assisting the less fortunate who need help. The Highlands Motoring Festival® is proud to be an all-volunteer organization. If you want to join the team, please contact us through the festival’s website. I sincerely thank all of you who make the Highlands Motoring Festival® possible. And of course, all of you who bring your automotive treasures to share with others or come to enjoy the sight of those treasures. Thank you.

HMF 2024 Chairman

Ricky Siegel

photo by Bernie Coulson

Thank You 2024 Sponsors!

Highlands Motoring Festival® thanks our generous sponsors.

Over the years, Highlands Motoring Festival® has contributed $540,000 to local human needs charities. These contributions have made the festival very popular with town residents and leaders, enabling use of town facilities.

Premier Sponsors

Porsche Cars North America

Porsche of Asheville

Visit Highlands NC / Highlands Chamber of Commerce

Platinum Sponsors

Ferrari of Atlanta

Berkshire Hathaway

Flatrock Motorclub

Gold Plus Sponsors

Hagerty Insurance

Diamond Sponsors

Hotwire Communications

Gold Sponsors

WHLC 104.5

Dauntless Printing

Frank Vickery Pottery

The Laurel Magazine

Silver Sponsors

Bryson’s Food Store

Wilson Gas Park on Main

200 Main

Classic Events

Heritage Productions WNC

The Vineyard at High Holly

Fressers Courtyard Cafe and Catering

Suncoast Equity Management

Special Thanks to

Friends of Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park, Highlands School, and the Town of Highlands: Mayor Pat Taylor, Town Board, Parks and Recreation Department, Police Department, and the Sanitation Team.

photos by Bernie Coulson

Bill Warner, Grand Marshall

Bill Warner’s multi-faceted automotive career gives him a unique view of classic cars.

Bill Warner has been around automobiles his whole life.

As a teenager he worked at the local Volkswagen and imported car dealership in the parts department and drove the delivery truck.

Upon earning his degree in Electrical Engineering, he entered the family filter business and started work on the side for Sports Car Graphic Magazine.

In 1971, he began his relationship with Road & Track Magazine, which continues today. His photographs and writing have appeared in Road & Track, Car and Driver, and Auto Week to mention a few. His photos have been featured in the Petersen Museum and at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance.

In 1975, he teamed with Tom Nehl in a Porsche 911 to finish 14th in the third running of the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash (AKA The Cannonball run) and English racing great, Innes Ireland; Can Am racer, George Drolsom; and sedan racer, Dick Starita, to finish 26th in the inaugural running of the Cannonball One Lap of America.

Warner started racing in 1978 in a Brabham BT-8 and later

in the SCCA in an ex-Bob Sharp Racing Datsun B210. He finished fifth in the American Road Racing Amateur Championships at Road Atlanta in 1982 in Class GT-3 (having started in 22nd place).

He also drove in two “Longest Day of Nelson” in Ohio with Innes Ireland (1984) and Bob Akin (1983) in Jack Roush’ Fords. He participated as a driver in the SAAB World Speed Record Run at Talladega, Alabama in 1986.

In 1996, he founded The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance near his home of Jacksonville, Florida.

Warner has achieved recognition for his abilities in driving, photography, and philanthropy. A partial list of accomplishments includes Meguiar’s Automobile Hobby Person of the Year; recognition in The Federacion de Automovilismo de Puerto Rico; and named one of the “Top 50 Players in the Classic Car World” by Octane Magazine; He co-authored with Tom Cotter the book, Cuba’s Car Culture, which was released in 2016, now in its third printing. He released his second book, The Other Side of the Fence, 50 years of Motorsport Photography in 2021. His wife of 55 years, Jane, has patiently put up with his automotive mania with an understanding beyond reasonable expectations, as have his three children.

Bill Warner, 1984 in Ireland photo by Mark Chmar

About Highlands

This unique resort village is known as the “Highest Town East of the Rockies.”

It sits on the eastern continental divide in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina at an average elevation of 4,000 feet, producing mild summer temperatures and giving us spectacular fall foliage. For decades, it’s been a popular destination for golfers, hikers, and fly-fishers. The town is surrounded by national forest and connected by some of the most beautiful mountain roads to be found. Many miles of driving pleasure await visitors on these wellbanked and nicely paved roads surrounded by the natural beauty of mountain views and waterfalls.

Since its creation in 1875, the demographic mixture of Highlands has been remarkably unique. Highlands was founded by hardy pioneers from all over the nation –sober, industrious tradesmen from the north; Scotch-Irish laborers and craftsmen from the surrounding mountains and valleys; and wealthy, aristocratic planters and professionals from the South. The town has served as a cultural center for well-known artists, musicians, actors, authors, photographers, scholars, and scientists who have thrived in its natural setting. This strange alchemy has resulted in a town too cosmopolitan to be provincial, too

broadly-based to be singular in attitude and perspective, too enamored of its natural surroundings to be entirely indifferent to them, and just isolated enough and small enough to be anxious about the benefits and setbacks of growth and development.

Today, the village is vibrant with almost 100 shops, boutiques, and restaurants concentrated along a threeblock stretch of Main Street. A dozen private golf clubs in the area bring thousands of summer residents. Worldclass lodging and destination weddings continue to bring new generations to this hidden gem of the South.

Located in the center of town, less than 100 yards from Main Street, is the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, a vast community green space. It is used year-round for events ranging from craft fairs to ice skating. On the second weekend of June, it’s the show field and center of activities for Highlands Motoring Festival®. The town of Highlands is an integral part of the motoring festival. Every effort is made for Highlands Motoring Festival® to reflect the unique charm of Highlands.

Art by Knight Martorell

Highlight on the Highlands Car Culture Alan

Lewis, Old Car Fan, 1930-2016

Born in Hickory, North Carolina, Alan Lewis was the son of a Methodist minister.

Following high school graduation in Lincolnton, NC in 1949 and a nineteen-month stint in the US Army serving in Korea, Alan entered Highway Patrol School at UNCGreensboro. Upon graduation, twenty-two-year-old Alan was commissioned and sent in 1952 to be stationed in Macon County, North Carolina.

Living in nearby Franklin, Alan frequently patrolled the Highlands area. One day in 1954 while patrolling Highlands, Alan saw “the most beautiful girl that he had ever seen,” walking across the street downtown. He asked who she was and was told that she was Jane Anderson and that her father, Charlie Anderson, owned Anderson’s 5 & 10 on South 4th Street.

Alan went to the store the following Saturday night, hoping to meet beautiful Jane. He first introduced himself to Jane’s father, who then introduced him to Jane, who was scheduled to begin her freshman year at Erskine College that fall.

It was truly “love at first sight.”

Alan and Jane were married five months later at Highlands First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Alan’s father. Alan and Jane soon started a family, and Alan made the decision to leave the Highway Patrol in 1957, purchasing Anderson’s 5 & 10 from Jane’s father. They eventually had four children; Martha Lewis Betz (Richard), Angela Lewis Jenkins, Bill Lewis, and Scott Lewis, who all still live in the Highlands area.

Always fascinated with fast cars – as well as antique cars –

Alan closed the 5 & 10 for a few weeks during February each winter in the mid-to-late 1960s, taking the family to Daytona Beach where he worked at the Daytona International Speedway during Speed Week.

He became a close friend of NASCAR President Bill France Sr. During his time working at the speedway, Alan also befriended Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett, Junior Johnson, David Pearson, and other famous NASCAR drivers. He had a treasured collection of their autographed photos which he hung on his office wall at the 5 & 10.

Alan owned several Crosley’s in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He bought his first Model T Ford collectible in the mid-1960s – a 1927 sedan. He loved to drive it in town any chance that he got.

Alan was very gifted mechanically, so he was always “tinkering” with his cars when frequent problems came up. Through the years, he added several more antique cars to his collection – a 1926 Ford Model T touring car, a 1929 Ford Model A sedan, a 1940 Ford, and a 1963 King Midget.

Alan could be spotted driving his cars in town frequently –many times with his wife, Jane, and other family members in tow.

He loved to park at the Loafer’s Bench on Main Street, sitting on the bench while visiting with folks who would stop to admire his cars. Alan encouraged other local antique car owners to join him on Saturday mornings at the Loafer’s Bench. It became known as “Butts on the Bench.”

In later years, Alan was often joined by his grandsons, Sam and Jimmy Jenkins, also car enthusiasts.

Many years ago, Alan was asked to drive the mayor in the

Highlight on the Highlands Car Culture

Alan Lewis, Old Car Fan, 1930-2016

Highlands Christmas Parade. This became a long-standing tradition and Alan looked forward to it every year. For a number of years, adorned in black vest and top hat, he escorted newlyweds in his 1926 Ford Model T touring car from their wedding ceremonies in Highlands to the reception venue.

Alan displayed his antique cars in the Highlands Motoring Festival from its beginning many years ago. Growing up constantly around their grandfather’s cars, grandsons Sam and Jimmy followed in their grandfather’s footsteps and each began collecting antique and classic cars as early as their teen years. Alan and his grandsons displayed their cars side by side in the Highlands Motoring Festival each year –always a much-anticipated family time together.

Grandson Sam Jenkins became heavily involved with NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) racing in his teen years, building/modifying his own cars for many years. He still travels all over the country numerous weekends each year accompanied by his 16-year-old son, Aiden, as valued members of the D. J. Cox Racing Team.

Following in the family tradition, Aiden chose a vintage 1971 Pontiac Trans Am as his first car. Sam’s car collection includes his grandfather’s 1926 Ford Model T Touring Car, a 1924 Ford Pickup, a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe, and a drivable Model T mini replica, handmade by his grandfather.

In addition to collecting antique cars, grandson Jimmy Jenkins has traveled everywhere to collect vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles as well as vintage porcelain signs and other collectibles. His car collection includes his grandfather’s 1929 Model A Ford sedan, 1940 Ford Deluxe sedan, and 1963 King Midget.

Also in his collection: a 1941 Ford pickup, 1927 and 1941 vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles, and a 2012 Shelby GT500. Jimmy built a replica of his maternal greatgrandfather’s circa 1920s Texaco station at his home where he also has a vintage general store. Jimmy’s wife, Jessica, and daughters, Bri & Karmen, are also heavily involved with his passion.

Alan and Jane’s sons, Bill and Scott Lewis, also inherited their father’s love of antique and classic cars.

On the day of his death, a beautiful Saturday in early September 2016, 85-year-old Alan picked up a friend and drove his King Midget to town, happily visiting with more friends at the ‘Butts on the Bench’ gathering. Then after returning home and having dinner with his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, he suffered a fatal heart attack.

A few days later at his funeral, Alan’s many fellow antique car owner friends along with his grandsons paid tribute to him by lining up their antique cars – adorned with black bows, on East Main Street during the standing-room only service at Highlands First Presbyterian Church where he was a long-time member.

Following their grandfather’s death, the Jenkins brothers took ownership of their grandfather’s much treasured car collection – so Alan’s cars can still be seen on an occasional weekend, making their rounds on the streets of Highlands, or sitting parked at the Loafer’s Bench. A plaque was permanently placed on the Loafer’s Bench which reads: “Alan Lewis, Old Car Fan, 1930-2016.”

By Angie Jenkins

One Lap of the Mountains Driving Tours

Thursday - Friday, June 6 - 7

Each year, lucky drivers and their passengers drive beautiful mountain “less traveled” roads and experience the comradery with the “One Lappers.” The annual One Lap of The Mountains driving tour has become the festival’s second most popular event, after Classics in the Park. It has been expanded for 2024 with larger groups spanning two days, Thursday June 6, and Friday, June 7. This exhilarating driving adventure is a technical rally as opposed to a timed rally, designed to give drivers a chance to enjoy the scenery while staying together as a group. Event organizers plan a different course every year on roads chosen to provide the ultimate mountain driving experience. It is open to any vehicle. There are run groups with 30 slots each. Each drive has a lunch stop at an interesting destination. The route then returns to Highlands. All One Lap of the Mountains tours will begin on Pine Street in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Registrants also receive detailed tour route instructions, two hats, and the HMF2024 poster, dash plaque and window sticker. Hot meals include breakfast

Osandwiches prior to departure and a hot buffet lunch. All vehicles are eligible. Bonus judging points are awarded to those One Lap participants who also show their driven car at Saturday’s Cars in the Park.

One Lap of the Mountains Guided Route Tour Books

ver the years of Highlands Motoring Festival®, the most popular driving event has been the One Lap of the Mountains driving tour.

Each year, a new route is designed for a perfect combination of road condition, scenery, and terrain. Every effort is made to avoid high traffic areas. Breaks and lunch stops are selected to accommodate the enjoyment of a group activity. Points of interest and local history add color to the detailed instructions. Each route is repeatedly test-driven and verified.

Detailed directions, just like on the original One Lap tours, are available in the form of a pair of route guidebooks.

The One Lap book includes the six One Lap routes; each updated and verified. There are also two routes with sections of unpaved surfaces. And there are additional bonus routes and photos. The second route guidebook, Second Lap of the Mountains includes the curated routes of more recent years not included in the original book. The Second Lap book also includes several more novel routes ranging from under 50 miles to over 150 miles. Descriptions of selected historic roads in the region are covered.

The books are authored by the originators of the event, Jan and Gus Lard. Both publications, One Lap of the Mountains Route Guide and Second Lap of the Mountains, are available for sale to the public on June 6-9 at the merchandise tables at Highlands Motoring Festival® events.

The books are also on sale anytime at The Highland Hiker and can be pre-purchased on the HMF website.

Main Street Parade

Friday, June 9

This year there will again be a parade of interesting and classic cars on Highlands’ Main Street. All vehicles and drivers are invited to participate, at no cost, by gathering at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park prior to 5:30 P.M. Parade participants will receive printed instructions along with the 2024 HMF poster image. There will be a brief driver’s meeting at 5:45 P.M. with the procession departing the park at 6:05 P.M. Exiting onto Fifth Street, the group will be directed to proceed west on Main Street on a predetermined route. This year the event will be assisted by Highlands Police Department personnel.

The HMF Parade has become much anticipated by the public, who will gather on Main Street to witness the passing classics.

The parade terminates back in the park by 6:30 P.M., where participants will join other enthusiasts and their cars. Many fine restaurants in Highlands await, or participants can hang out in the park and spend the evening with fellow classic car enthusiasts.

photos by Bernie Coulson

Classics in the Park

Saturday, June 8

Highlands Motoring Festival’s® centerpiece event, a classic car show, is held on Saturday, June 8, from 9:30 A.M. to 3:45 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park. Organizers expect 85 spectacular entrants and more than 2,500 visitors on show day. All the invited classic cars on the show field go through a rigorous screening process to create a curated experience. Every car displayed has been selected because it has a story worthy of telling.’ Classics in the Park’ focuses on autos from the pre-computer car era; cars from the model years prior to 1990. Early application is urged. There is no charge for spectators, but donations to the charity partners are appreciated. Show cars will be exercised at noon, with

an in-place Gentlemen Start Your Engines performance for spectators. Judging begins at 9:30 A.M. and award winners will be announced, and awards presented in the early afternoon. Spectators will see classic (prior to 1990) and unique, sometimes very limited edition, cars in several judged classes. Volunteers will be cooking and selling hot food on-site. Merchandise tables will have the current and past year’s HMF posters, One Lap of the Mountains tour books, hats, shirts, coffee mugs and other festival items for sale.

The festival committee has assembled a panel of judges who are not just knowledgeable but are owners of similar

Classics in the Park

Saturday, June 8

cars. Cars are judged on overall quality of restoration, authenticity, historical significance, provenance, and presentation. Areas that will be judged for correctness and cleanliness are exterior paint and body, interior, engine compartment, and trunk. We recognize that many collector cars are driven regularly, so modifications for safety and drivability are given special tolerance when our judges consider originality. All cars must carry an upto-date fire extinguisher. The awards are custom, locally produced, pieces of pottery commemorating HMF2024.

Previous years shows have featured such diverse cars as pre-war race cars, BMW M1, BMW 328, Ferrari 166MM,

Bugatti Type 35, Indy cars, rare muscle cars, and a corral of real Shelbys and Cobras. In 2016, a trio of Mercedes 300SL Gullwings were on display. Italian-car lovers have brought cars from Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati, and Lamborghini. Race cars have included Lotus, Lola, Shelby, Porsche, and McLaren. Antique Model A’s, Bentleys, and many other classic cars round out the collection. Sometimes a word can spark an image. Icons such as Countach, Miura, Testarossa, Stingray, Cobra, and Gullwing have graced the HMF show field. Applications for invitation for 2025 will be available on the HMF website later in the year.

photos by Bernie Coulson

Featured Marque Pre-War Classics

Automobile design trends have always followed the greater trends of society.

This is particularly true of the pre-WWII classic cars. This period covers the origin of the automobile right up to World War Two, an incredible time of automotive evolution.

Very early automobiles were a novelty but soon became a source of premium transportation. Cars prior to WWI, often referred to as ‘Brass Era’ cars, were largely handmade and often exhibited superior workmanship.

The cars of the Twenties became available to average people through mass production. At the same time, limited production coach-built cars became the symbol of success and fashion right up to the Great Depression, which devastated the auto industry.

To survive, manufacturers had to produce technically improved cars to be competitive in a tight market. And for the wealthy, the coach-built ‘status’ cars had to be even more powerful and attractive. The era of the late thirties

was the zenith for these beautiful and elegant classics. In 1939, the winds of war blew in Europe and the Era of Elegance came to an end.

Highlands Motoring Festival’s 2024 Classics in the Park judged car show features a curated field of pre-WWII classics that exhibit some of the greatest cars of the era. Equally as impressive are the stories of the past and current owners of these cars.

Meet the 2024 Judges

Al has served as Judging Coordinator for the Highlands Motoring Festival. He has been involved in the AACA, VMCCA, Packard Club, NCRS, HCCA, CCCA. Owner of brass, classic and sports cars, involved in restoration of collector cars.  A Senior Master Judge, Certified Team Captain with the AACA, judging in National and Grand National Meets, Show Chairman and Chief Judge at VMCCA National Meets.

Dave collects classic sports cars and has judged at numerous motorcar events. He was invited to judge Classiche Ferraris at Finali Mondiali held in the US. He founded Concorso Ferrari Palm Beach and was invited to judge at the prestigious Cavallino Classic, Palm Beach. During the last 12 years he served as a judge at the Celebration Exotic Car Festival.

Amy is a 50-year BMW enthusiast and is Chapter President BMWCCA, Ambassador BMWCCA Foundation/ Museum, and founded ZSCCA – hosted 550 Z3s for 12 years at BMW Manufacturing. She’s served as Editor CS Register, editor's assistant Ferrari Market Letter magazine. She’s won the Amelia Island, Hilton Head concours and took the Woman Driving America Enthusiasts Award.

Barry’s automotive interest ranges from restoration, sales, racing, and collection. He has owned in excess of 250+ cars including BMW, MG, Austin Healey, Jaguar, Mercedes- Benz, Volvo, Saab, Porsche, and Volkswagen. After 18 years of involvement with EuroAutofestival, he began Concours Judging, including Hilton Head Concours, Chattanooga Motor Festival, Biltmore Classic, Greenbriar Concours, Kiawah and Highlands Motoring Festival.

Ford is a native of Sebring, Florida who came of age during the glory years of sports car racing at Sebring. His passion for cars took hold early and resulted in his becoming an avid vintage racer. He founded Vintage Motorsport magazine and The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival in Lakeland, Florida. Ford served as a Concours Judge at Amelia Island for over 10 years and has judged various other concours events in Florida.

Following a 35-year corporate career Brad retired to pursue his automotive interests. He’s owned several sports and classic cars, restoring two to the highest level, competing at over 30 concours events. He is Head Judge at the Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance in Tampa, Florida, and judges annually at the Radnor Hunt, Boca Raton, Chattanooga and Greenbrier concours. Brad is past President of the national Solid Axle Corvette Club.

Johnny Howard is a 2022 Clemson Engineering graduate with a passion for all things automotive. He has served as judge at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance, Legends of the Autobahn West, and at 5 previous Highland Motoring Festivals in a variety of classes. He is an avid collector, mechanic and driver of his 80s and 90s Japanese Domestic Market vehicles.

Ed has a long history with the Highlands Motoring Festival, and currently resides on the Suncoast of Florida. An avid car enthusiast, his long list of cars owned include Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, and Triumph. His longest held and "favorite" is a 1932 Chevy 5 window coupe restomod.  Judging history  includes concurs in the Tampa Bay area in addition to Carolina and Texas venues.

Ira has been active in the collector car hobby for more than 25 years, serving as president of the South Florida Region-AACA, and chairing over 80 collector car events including 3 National meets. Since its inception, Ira has served as both Chief Judge, and Class Team Lead of the Boca Raton Concours.  Along with Boca Concours, Ira has judged at multiple concours in both the United States and Canada.

Erich is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and now resides in Woodstock, Georgia. He has over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, and comes from a long line of car guys. For the last 12 years, he has been the owner of Grand Touring Specialists, LLC. He is a member of the American Society of Appraisers in the Automotive Specialties field.

Al Ossorio

David Noznesky

Amy Lester

Barry Harms

Ira Shapiro

Ed Loke

Johnny Howard

Bradley J. Bean

Ford Heacock

Erich Smith

Meet the 2024 Judges

John is the Chief Concours Judge for the BMW Car Club of America and a Master Judge with the Classic Car Club of America and the Antique Car Club of America. He has judged at the Hilton Head Island Concours, San Marino Motor Classic, Chattanooga Motoring Festival, Legends of the Autobahn, and the Keeneland Concours. He was the Car Show Director and board member of the Euro Auto Festival for five years.

Fran Hughes has been a “car girl forever.”  She and her husband Scott put on the first ever BMWCCA driving school at Lime Rock, Connecticut in 1974 (registration fee $15) and spread that activity nationwide. In 1995 they created the BMWCCA Club Racing program where she served as licensing administrator for 17years. Fran was part of the BMWCCA Concours Management Team for the Biltmore Concours.

Scott has been an active BMW Car Club of America member since the 70s. He has judged multiple BMW CCA national Oktoberfest Concours, served as Chief Judge and organizer of a Baltimore Concours featuring multiple Classic brands, judged at the Euro Auto Festival and curated collections for the BMW CCA Foundation Ultimate Driving Museum, and, of course, for Highlands Motoring Festival.

Mark Lovello, owner of Jaguar South, epitomizes mastery in Jaguar car restoration. He brings decades of expertise in the realm of Jaguar cars and British automobiles. Mark’s vast knowledge earned him the esteemed role of JCNA judge, but also a fixture at the Highlands Motoring Festival, where his discernment ensured automotive excellence as a judge. Passion defines his contribution to the preservation of British automotive heritage.

Knight is a past chairman and has the honor of serving as President of the Highlands Motoring Festival.  Raised in a family that was passionate about collecting, restoring and competitively showing classic cars, he has been involved in the collector car hobby all of his life with particular interest in  prewar American,  prewar and postwar British and European automobiles.

Karl is a 50+-year Porsche enthusiast, having owned multiple Porsche models from every generation. He has restored more than two dozen 356s and currently enjoys his collection of limited production Porsches from 1958 to 2022. For the past two years, he has served as Lead Judge for the Porsche Category at the Highlands Motoring Festival.

Guy has a lifelong affection for all things mechanical. When he came to Highlands a decade ago, he showed cars at the festival, then began judging. He enjoys racing with SCCA, HSR and SVRA. Annually, he serves as a Class Host at the Amelia, judges the Gasparilla Concours and shows his cars and wooden boats. His focus is early Japanese sports cars and 50s and 60s American classics.

Gregory's history with European high-performance cars dates back to the 1980s in Brussels, Belgium. With a particular focus on Ferrari and Porsche, he has been involved in numerous restorations that have received the highest awards at prestigious concours events in both Europe and the US. Most recently, a 275 GTB restored by him and his dad's company, GTM AND SON, was sold for a record price.

Scan for more info about Highlands Motoirng Festival.

Mark Lovello

Scott Hughes

Fran Hughes

John Farrall

Knight Martorell

Karl Boegner

Guy Marvin

Gregory Trigaux

2024 Trophies

Over 30 awards are presented to owners in several categories, which would typically be a lot of brass. But at Highlands Motoring Festival®, we would have to say, “That’s a lot of mud.”

Really!

Each is a piece of hand-made ceramic pottery reflecting HMF logo and theme.

With a town full of artists, Highlands Motoring Festival® has benefited from the creativity of local artisans. A good example is Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor, the creator and craftsman of the original Highlands Motoring Festival® trophies for many years.

Highlands is home of The Bascom, a renowned center for visual arts. Its most popular programs are in the pottery barn, a ceramics workshop. The program is directed by Frank Vickery, a gifted artist in his own right. But his greatest talent is the way he energizes the whole community’s interest in pottery as functional art. He is The Bascom’s

current pottery guru. Since 2021, Frank Vickery produced the awards for Highlands Motoring Festival®. That tradition continues in 2024.

Must See Pre-War Entries at Classics in the Park 2024

1923 Studebaker Light Six Touring | Martin & Faith Teem

1909 Sears Model J | Van Thurston

1937 Peugeot Darl'Mat | Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

Must See Pre-War Entries at Classics in the Park 2024

1934 BMW 315 | Scott & Fran Hughes / Hughes Motorsports Collection

1910 Thomas 640 Flyer | Donnie & Renee Gould

1929 Ford Model A Taxi | Hal & Lisa Dye

1931 Cord L29 Rumble Seat Cabriolet | Ron Green

1911 E-M-F Model 30 Racer | Dale Critz

1936 Austin 7 Supercharged Special MkIII | Keith Bass

1927 Pierce-Arrow Series 80 Club Brougham | John & Eloise Haulbrook

1928 McDowell Special | Keith Bass

1914 Peugeot L45 | Brumos Collection

Must See Pre-War Entries at Classics in the Park 2024

1927 Packard Series 6 | Allan Jones

1911 Pierce-Arrow 48 | Corky & Theresa Coker

1926 Miller 91 FD Armacost Special | Brumos Collection

1934 Packard Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Super 8 | Sue & Millard Choate

1936 Packard Model 1400 Straight 8 | Robert Lundberg

Must See Pre-War Entries at Classics in the Park 2024

1937 Packard 115 Cabriolet | Mike & Susan Thies

1913 Buick Model 25 Touring | David & Amy Noznesky

1937 Cord Model 812 Beverly Sedan | Savoy Automobile Museum

Select Gallery

at Classics in the Park 2024

1982 Mercedes 380SL | Forrest Bennett

1988 Ferrari 328GTS | Diana Bradley

1948 Jaguar MK IV Drophead Coupe | Patty & Roger Crawford

1970 Dodge Challenger 440 Six-Pack | Lawrence & Tees Booth

1989 Ferrari F-40 | Julie and David Scott

1958 Chevrolet Corvette | Frank Ferro & Susu Day

Select Gallery at

Classics in the Park 2024

1972 BMW 3.0Csi | Doug Dolan

1957 Isetta 300 | Fran Hughes / Hughes Motorsports Collection

1966 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet | Terry Herr & Cheryl Giordano

1967 Chevrolet Corvette | Ronnie & Pam Edge

1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 | Jeff Hudgins

1959 Chevrolet Corvette | Paul Laffaldano

Select Gallery

at Classics in the Park 2024

1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster | Jim Isom

1986 Porsche 930 Turbo | Leh Keen

1961 Porsche 356 Roadster | Liza Kirsh

1967 Lamborghini P400 Miura | Michael & Julie Jetzer

1969 Meyers Manx | Carlos Malpartida

1980 Mercedes 280SE | Mike & Ann Marsh

Select Gallery at Classics in the Park 2024

1988 BMW M3 | Conrad & Katherine Mielcuszny

1965 Porsche 911 | Conrad & Katherine Mielcuszny

1962 Porsche 356B Roadster | Julian & Mauricio Mora

1949 MG TC | Glen Moore

1960 Mercedes 190SL | Richard & Kathleen Mott

1955 Ford Thunderbird | Keith Ennis

Select Gallery at Classics in the Park 2024

1972 Alfa Romeo GT Junior | Frank Rizzo

1978 Ferrari 308GTS | Bill St. John

1965 Buick Riviera | Rob Stadnicki

1960 Porsche 356 | Robert Satterfield

1975 Lamborghini Urraco P300 | Howard & Kate Stanton

1965 Ford Mustang | Brian Steiner

Select Gallery at Classics in the Park 2024

1961 Jaguar MK IX | Alan Taylor

1969 Pontiac Grand Prix ex-NASCAR Grand National | Keith Vrabec

1958 Porsche Speedster | Susan & Henry Wilkinson

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham | Tim Vos

1971 Porsche 911E Targa | George Word

1983 Mazda RX7 | Justin Hicks

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1934 BMW 315/1 | Dirk & Alexandra de Groen

1956 BMW 502 | Paul & Jayne Queck

1937 BMW 328 Roadster | Lance & Diane White

1948 Veritas RS | Jack & Cathy Frasher

1959 Porsche Convertible D | Philip Bagley

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1973 BMW 3.0 CS | Drew Gregg

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Julie Ibrahim & David Scott

1988 Porsche 959S | Ingram Collection

1972 Porsche 916 | George Hussey

1927 Blower Bentley 4.5 | Corky & Theresa Coker

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1980 BMW M1 | Scott and Fran Hughes Hughes Motorsports Collection

1975 BMW 2002 Turbo | Scott and Fran Hughes Hughes Motorsports Collection

1959 BMW 503 Coupe | BMW Classic

1990 BMW Z1 | Fran Hughes / Hughes Motorsports Collection

1968 Porsche 908 Short Tail Coupe | Brumos Museum

1958 Porsche 550A-0142 | Ed Anderson

Simca Gordini F2 | Ray Morgan

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB2 | GTM & Son

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1930 BMW Dixi | Dale Critz

1960 BMW 507 | Walter Scott

1935 Frazer Nash BMW 315 | Dale Critz

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1928 Packard 443 Runabout | Bob & Diane Campanale

1909 Thomas Flyer 670K | Corky & Theresa Coker

1931 Packard 840 Ind. Custom Conv. Sedan by Dietrich Stephen & Beth Templeton

1923 Miller 122 Jr. 8 Special Brumos Collection

1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton | John & Lisa Prunkl

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1932 Rolls Royce 20/25 | Forrest McClain

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 | Fred Anderson Collection

1957 Mercedes 300SL Roadster | John & Susan Barrett

1950 Lester MG T-51 | Steve & Mary Lou Konsin

1955 Jaguar XK 140 MC | Chuck & Vicki Beam

1973 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino | “Cannonball Jack” May

1953 Cadillac Elegante | The Birdsall Collection

1930 Alfa Romeo 6C1750 Sport Zagato | Vernon Lowe

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 | Henry & Susan Wilkinson

1954 Arnolt Bristol Bolide | Stan Cryz

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal | Avery Wise

1954 Bentley Continental R | John & Susan Barrett

1947 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special | Lowell & Linda Cooper

1963 Corvette Stingray | Sheryl & Dennis Wilson

1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile | Scott & Fran Hughes

1965 Aston Martin DB5 | Conrad Mielcuszny

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder | Ivan & Myrna Ruiz

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona | Bill & Jane Warner

1972 DeTomaso Pantera GR.4 (2 x Le Mans 16th Overall) Guy Trigaux

1937 BMW 328 | Dirk de Groen

1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline Donnie & Renee Gould

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1971 Mercedes Benz 280 SL | Stephen & Jeanne Brooks

1969 Jaguar E-Type OTS | David & Beverly Kirkman

1960 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 | Michael & Jane Armstrong

1962 Lancia Flaminia 3C GT | Ivan & Myrna Ruiz

1954 Packard Convertible | Guy Lewis

1965 Austin Healey 3000 | Patricia Blauch & Richard Martorell

1953 Nash-Healey Roadster | Savoy Automobile Museum

1961 Porsche S 90 Roadster | Tom Blash

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

Jaguar E-type | Jerry & Janice Wise

1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 | Lawrence & Tees Booth

1966 Porsche Carrera 6 Typ 906 | Ingram Collection

1952 Porsche America Roadster | Chip Perry

1930 Aston Martin International | Rick & Phil Rader

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1936 Auburn 852 Custom Cabriolet Stephen & Beth Templeton

1962 Chevrolet Corvette | Fred & Nancy Hamilton

1933 Duesenberg J-427 Murphy Bodied Town Car Richie & Sharon Clyne

1954 Jaguar XK120 | Knight Martorell

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale | Werner Kettelhack

1970 Datsun 240Z Brock Racing Enterprises | Randy Jaffe

Previous Entries from our 17 years of Festivals

1964 Porsche 904 | Ingram Collection

1979 Porsche 930 Turbo | Alan & Janet Boe

1971 Porsche 917K | Miles Collier Collections @ Revs Institute

Photo by Peter Harholdt for Revs Institute

Horsepower Gala

Saturday, June 8

An evening of food, beverage, charity auction, and a presentation/discussion by this year’s very special guest, Mr. Bill Warner at the Vineyard at High Holly. Bill will share interesting and humorous stories from his career in motorsports with his presentation entitled “80 Years of Misspent Youth.” Registrants will enjoy a sit-down dinner and beverages. There will be several silent auctions which people may bid on. Items for the auction are provided by local individuals, businesses, and other supporters of the festival. The Horsepower Gala is a rollicking way for enthusiasts to share their passion, have fun, and raise money for charities.

High Octane Sunday, June 9

Winding up a perfect Highlands Motoring Festival® weekend is a second car show, the annual “High Octane” at 8:30 A.M. on Sunday, June 11, at Kelsey Hutchinson Founder’s Park. All interesting vehicles are welcome at this more casual car show. Cars of any age are invited and there is no entry fee or judging. Participating cars will receive a HMF2024 dash plaque. Cars can arrive and depart at any time. Four churches are within easy walking distance with early and late services. Old and new friends will find this the opportunity to exchange contact information, tell one more story, make plans for HMF2025, and bid each other a fond farewell.

“High Octane” is a uniquely home-grown event, an extension of a weekly gathering of local car lovers known as “Butts on the Bench” with its own Facebook page. Every Saturday morning, during the summer months (except for the weekend of the Motoring Festival), enthusiasts gather in front of Kilwin’s on Main Street. You will find sports and classic cars with car lovers drinking coffee and talking cars.

Over the years these mornings have evolved to include passing motorists who notice the cars and stop to join the gathering. Car clubs often travel to Highlands, and often their members make it a point to stop to talk shop and show off their cars.

History of the Festival The Little Town that Could

The vision for Highlands Motoring Festival® was conceived in 2007, at a lunch table after a meeting of The Rotary Club of Highlands. The mission was to contribute to local charities and the Highlands business community by attracting automotive enthusiasts to our beautiful area. The Highlands Motoring Foundation, a 501(c)(3), was incorporated.

The inaugural event took place in September 2008 with 114 cars in attendance. The show venue was created by blocking off Pine Street and utilizing Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park and the parking lots of Bank of America and Entegra Bank. The cooperation of the Town of Highlands and both banks made the event possible. Good weather brought a large turnout of spectators. Support of the Highlands business community was solidified. Local car enthusiasts stepped up and volunteered to help. The vision of an annual event became reality.

Since then, the festival has continued to grow in scope, quality, and stature. From the beginning, all net proceeds have been donated to many local charities including the Hudson Library, the Rotary Club of Highlands, CashiersHighlands Humane Society, and the Emergency Council. In recent years, the beneficiaries have been three human needs-based groups: REACH of Macon County, the Community Care Clinic, and the Literacy & Learning Center of Highlands. Over the years, the festival has raised over $540,000 for local charities. The festival operates as an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff.

For the first four years, the Highlands Motoring Festival® was held during the month of September, to eliminate conflicts with some of the major car shows, the event was moved to July for two years. Finally, the second Saturday in June was determined to be optimal, a tradition that started in 2012 and continues. And the event has expanded in scope, now includes driving tours and social gatherings spread over four days.

When major infrastructure work was required on Pine Street and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in 2013, the Highlands Motoring Festival® venue moved to Highlands Rec Park for two years. For 2015 the event moved back to its permanent location at Pine Street and the KelseyHutchinson Founders Park.

In 2012, the HMF Organizing Committee was approached by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Atlanta about special recognition. That group promised and delivered a strong field of Alfas, competing in the events first Featured Marque class, a tradition that continues. In succeeding years, featured marques have been Porsche, British Cars, Mercedes, BMW, the Cars of Italy, the Cars of Carroll Shelby, and Vintage Race Cars.

Many very interesting cars have graced the show field of the Highlands Motoring Festival®. There have been past Le Mans entrants, one-of-a-kind customs, pre-war classics, muscle cars, antiques, sports cars, utilities, mid-century classics, and cars of every ilk from America, Europe, and beyond. One of the most memorable was a collection

History of the Festival The Little Town that Could

of three Mercedes 300SL Gullwings, some of the most coveted cars existing. The most unusual was probably the Tupolev Cosmonaut Retrieval Vehicle. One year, a fullblown NHRA funny car was given permission to startup and demonstrate with some revving but was derailed by a dead battery. The Highlands Fire Department came to the rescue with a jump from one of their fire trucks to the cheers of bystanders. Other HMF all-stars include the Bugatti T-35C, a factory racer, that finished third at the 1930 Monaco Grand Prix, a 1953 Ferrari 166/53 with celebrity racing history, a 1989 Porsche built to compete at Indy, a three-time early Daytona Beach winning stock car, the last Lister “Knobbly” Jaguar, and the 24 Hours of LeMans class winning BMW CSL “Batmobile” race car. Historic race cars from McLaren, Lotus, and Lola have been featured.

In 2017, when the festival was launching the inaugural “Monte Carlo Night” event, the festival committee reached out to the Rotary Club of Highlands. The Rotarians had hosted similar events more than a decade earlier. This was when a group of “vintage” Rotarians jumped into action. The original gambling tables and gear were found in storage. The original dealers were put back in service on the night of the event. The evening was a huge success, raising over $6,000 for charity and continued for the next two years. Changes in NC law then prohibited non-profit gaming, so a change was needed for 2020 and beyond. The evening gala theme shifted to

an automotive-oriented program.

After 14 years, this once little local car show had grown to become one of the South’s most popular automotive events and was voted “Best Concours” in the land by Classic Motorsports Magazine in their January 2019 issue. For 2019, the featured marque was the cars of Carroll Shelby. More than a dozen pre-1968 Cobras, Shelbys, and Tigers were accepted into the class. Chuck Cantwell, Shelby American’s Mustang project manager, was on hand autographing his book The Shelby Mustang History. Another celebrity, Dennis Gage, spent four days in Highlands covering all the events for an episode of his long running TV show My Classic Car. The program aired on April 25, 2020, on the Motor Trend channel to an international audience of millions.

One of the highlights of HMF 2019 was a marriage proposal. Just days before the start of the festival, organizers were contacted by a young man who was anxious to register for the sold out “One Lap of the Mountains” driving tour. He was put on the waiting list and eventually a space was found for the young couple. On the day of the event, the final leg of the tour went right past Bridal Vail Falls, where our young couple stopped with others for a photo. Much to everyone’s surprise, the young man dropped to one knee and popped the question. Her answer was affirmative.

Following the 2019 event, the HMF team was hard at work planning HMF2020. Thanks to the pandemic, the

History of the Festival The Little Town that Could

world suffered the disappointment of cancelling almost every major event in 2020 including the Highlands Motoring Festival®. This gave our planning team inspiration and enthusiasm to take the 2021 festival to an even higher level of excellence. We further challenged ourselves to stage a unique exhibit of automotive artwork and the classic cars that inspire art, in collaboration with the Bascom Center for Visual Arts. The collaboration presented FreeWheeling which was the centerpiece component of Celebrate Art + Automobile, a summer series of events in Highlands.

FreeWheeling featured original automotive works of internationally renowned artists. The exhibition was on display in The Bascom’s main gallery in Highlands and included art works on canvas, paper, and sculpture, alongside the display of three classic automobiles. The exhibits’ cars were rotated twice during the duration of the 15-week display so that nine classic cars shared gallery space with the artwork. The cars included a 1954 Jaguar XK-120 once owned by Clark Gable, a 1963 split-window fuel injected Corvette, an original 427 Cobra from 1965, a 1965 Jaguar E-type 4.2L, a 1965 Alfa Giulia Sprint Speciale, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy, an early Porsche 356 America Roadster, a 1974 Dino 246GTS, and a Porsche 906 fuel injected long nose. The exhibition presented a multi-tiered experience

in the appreciation of art and the automobile. It examined design as art, the inherent duality of functional art, the allure of the automobile as art itself inspiring expression in another art-form, and the dialogue between inspiration and expression. Throughout the exhibition period, the Bascom offered several related displays and activities, some of which were interactive. A few examples of these include artist/curator discussions, model car display, and educational STEAM Initiatives.

The 2021 Highlands Motoring Festival® exceeded all expectations, including quality of the cars, spectator attendance, added events, sponsor participation, and revenue generated. Purebloods d’Italia was the featured theme with a strong field of Ferraris. Several historic Porsches were also displayed along with a 1934 Packard Dual Cowl Phaeton.

The 2022 Highlands Motoring Festival® brought the Porsche brand into the spotlight. More than a dozen iconic Porsche race cars came from museums and private collections. The field included Speedsters, 550 Spyder, a 904, 906, 908, and a pair of 917s. Also, the number of preWWII classics continued to grow and included a pair of Duesenbergs. 2022 also included a unique Thursday night event, “Movie Night in the Park” with the showing of “Cannonball Run.” On hand were actual participants in the actual 1975 event

History of the Festival The Little Town that Could

that inspired the movie. Cannonball Jack and his winning Ferrari/Dino were joined by Bill Warner and his Porsche 911S for a presentation about the race across America. The annual donation to three charity partners had grown to a five-figure amount.

The featured marque for 2023 was BMW. This amazing display of ultimate classics included a Dixi delivery van, a 315/1, a pair of 328s, a 1949 Veritas RS, a 502 sedan, a 503 coupe, a red 507 roadster (and a matching red Z8 homage), an Isetta 300, a 700 coupe, 2002, 3.0CS, 3.0S, 3.5 CSL Batwing, 2002 Turbo, and a Z1. The 2023 Grand Marshal and guest speaker was Brian Redman. Other highlight vehicles included a 1923 Miller 122, a Cord 812 Phaeton, Lancia Flaminia, and a 1909 Thomas Flyer. Ferraris were represented by six cars including a Daytona, and a 275GTB/4. There were also four Packards and ten Porsches.

The festival organizers have continually faced new challenges. In previous years, the festival was allowed use of the Bank of America parking lot which comprised a quarter of the Cars in the Park show field. Bank of America closed its Highlands branch in late 2019 and use of the space was no longer allowed. Along with reduced show field size, there has been increasing numbers of entries forcing organizers to implement an invitational process and strict requirements for originality of the cars displayed. An application for entry can be obtained from the festival website. As the quality level of show cars has increased, so has the need for transporter parking, creating another limitation to the number of show cars.

After cancellation of the 2020 Highlands Motoring Festival® which was scheduled for June of 2020, the organizing team decided to stage a smaller event designed with social distancing protocols during September when pandemic restrictions had been eased. Two days of driving tours were successfully executed. The September experiment was continued in 2021 and 2022, again with success increasing contributions to the charity partners. These fall driving events carried different branding as “Mountain Motoring” and have been retired as of 2023.

Every year HMF has commissioned an artist to create unique poster artwork. In recent years local artist, architect, musician, and car collector, Knight Martorell has created posters reflecting the theme and mood of that year’s festival.

Those classic car enthusiasts, initially targeted in 2008, turned out to be very social and generous people who love Highlands. Highlands Motoring Festival® is delighted to host them, every year, on the second Saturday of June.

Scan for more info about Highlands Motoirng Festival.

Thank You, Volunteers

Highlands Motoring Festival® is blessed with a wealth of volunteers of all ages. Many are automobile devotees. Some are there serving a beneficiary charity group. Some volunteers love spending an afternoon in June with enthusiasts having a great time. There are many reasons our volunteers are stepping forward. A list of over 50 volunteers have made the HMF2024 events possible. The work of every individual is appreciated.

There are varying levels of volunteer participation. The Festival Committee consists of two dozen or so individuals, each with particular expertise, working all year to make the four-day motoring festival possible. The committee members are often accompanied by working spouses who jump in as needed.

In 2024, the festival has six events, each requiring volunteers in its planning and execution. The bulk of the workforce requirement is on the day of the show. This is when the volunteer army we call “The Friends of the Motoring Festival” goes to work. These are the workers from past festivals and new recruits who are organized and trained to make the

show run smoothly. The 2024 partner charities are REACH, The Literacy & Learning Center, and the Community Care Clinic. All these groups share a common theme of assisting the less fortunate who need help.

It’s not surprising then that many of the festival’s volunteers are also active in these other groups. Highlands Motoring Festival® is a community-based event. It is a conduit for volunteers and contributors to channel resources to those in greatest need.

Grab Your Swag

Every year Highlands Motoring Festival® has memorabilia for sale on a merchandise table on the show field during Saturday’s Cars in the Park. Manned by volunteers, the table has traditionally sold Highlands Motoring Festival® hats and posters. The hats are high quality “ball cap” style in a wide variety of colors. Highlands Motoring Festival® has produced a poster of unique design for each year of the festival. These posters are designed by automotive artists and reflect a wide variety of cars, often reflecting that year’s Featured Marque. A bundle of 14 posters is available at a discounted price. Posters of each year are also available individually. The One Lap of the Mountains tour books will also be on sale along with a variety of other merchandise including custom coffee mugs and collared polo style shirts. Credit cards accepted.

Beneficiaries of the Festival

The Highlands Motoring Festival® is known as the “Festival with an Altitude,” but it is also a festival with a heart for giving back to local nonprofits in our area that provide much-needed services to the community. Over the years, HMF has given over $540,000 to area nonprofits.

The Motoring Festival is the operational element of Highlands Motoring Foundation, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2007. Over the years, beneficiaries have included the Hudson Library, The Literacy Council of Highlands, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, Rotary Club of Highlands, REACH of Macon County, and many smaller local non-profits.

As the festival has grown, so has its ability to give back to the community. In 2024, HMF has selected three nonprofits as beneficiaries of this year’s proceeds: REACH of Macon County, the Literacy & Learning Center, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers.

REACH, as their name suggests, serves an essential need in Macon and Jackson Counties, providing resources, education, assistance, counseling, and housing to victims of abuse. They work closely with law enforcement and

other local agencies to provide emergency relief for abuse victims and their families, offering them safety, guidance, legal help, counseling, and support. In 2017, Highlands Motoring Festival® proceeds enabled REACH to make capital improvements, which reduced its operating costs and improved services provided.

The Literacy & Learning Center provides much-needed services to adults and children in Macon and Jackson Counties with their programs to advance literacy, including their after-school enrichment program, homework helpers, individual tutoring, adult literacy and GED program, and English as a second language classes for adults and children.

The Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers provides free primary medical care for individuals without medical insurance who meet the federal eligibility guidelines for assistance, ensuring that all in our community have access to medical care.

The Highlands Motoring Festival® gives each of these worthy organizations much-needed funding to continue their programs that offer so many vital services.